Via Norte Restaurant

Well, I can't comment on the food since we did not get to eat. We arrived on time for our reservation and were greeted by a really unfriendly hostess/server. She led us to our table, explained the specials of the day, etc. We asked for a few minutes to decide, and she came back exactly three times in 5 minutes to ask if we had decided, if we had any questions, etc. She also asked if we wanted water - we said yes please, flat water. She did not ask if tap or bottled, and proceeded to bring and open a bottle. Okay, we would have preferred tap but were not given the option but whatever. We looked at the menu (which was incredibly underwhelming and unwelcoming "we do not accommodate changes to the menu") and decided that we weren't going to stay. We let the hostess know and ordered the bill - she said $9 and left. $9 for a bottle of water, lol. Anyway, she never came back to ask why we weren't staying or if there was anything they could do or even to say goodbye and collect our payment. We got up, grabbed our coats and left, NEVER to return again. We felt uncomfortable with the hostess's attitude, and weren't surprised to see an empty restaurant.

I'm not one to write a review. However, I was so impressed with this restaurant that I had to. From the ambiance, the presentation, to the actual flavor of the food. It was amazing. The winterlicious menu had 3 courses and each were phenomenal. I've never had food be so consistently good across the board. My waiter was also very nice and helpful. He even provided sample wine for us to try being that we couldn't decide on one. I don't remember his name but I do remember the experience that he provided. I will most definitely return.

Enjoyed winterlicious here. Food and service excellent. We had a difficult time picking from the many good dinner options.

Great ambiance, the most delicious food, and the best service! I would say if you’re looking for gourmet Portuguese food, then this is your place! Great for hosting your most special events!

Beautiful ambiance, excellent and friendly staff, absolutely delicious Portuguese food with a modern twist. Highly recommended and the BEST Portuguese cuisine restaurant in Toronto!

Great service from beginning to end!
The food was awesome!
Five star all the way!

Quiet weekday but the food was impeccable. Every single dish that our diverse group ordered was on point. Favoured and cooked to perfection.

Everything was perfect. Wonderful portuguese restaurant with a great wine list and good service.

There aren’t enough words to express how incredible every detail is at this restaurant! I have been here a few times in the last 5 years but this was the first time since Covid pandemic and my first time going as a parent. We had a dinner for 6 adults and 2 kids under 2. The service was impeccable; Stef and the other staff are courteous, helpful and made amazing recommendations! They made sure we had a table with plenty of space for our double stroller, they were considerate when bringing over plates to ensure the little ones didn’t get hurt and they were so friendly. The food was just so delicious! The appetizers were our group’s favourite dish. Since we wanted to try so many, they were so kind to place them all on platters so we can share (second picture). We had the grilled shrimp & squid, alheira, goat cheese salad and grilled sardines. Even our toddler loved the shrimp and alheira aps! The main courses did not disappoint either; 2 of us had the pan seared tuna steak (first picture) and it was the best dish I’ve had there to date. 2 had the raia and loved it as well. The 1 who ordered the steak dish loved the flavour but found it was slightly less rare than he would like and 1 other order the tamboril and also loved it. The main courses come with a good portion of veggies and are satisfying without being crazy huge. However if you have a big appetite, order aps before hand otherwise you may find it to be a bit small. Nobody in our party left hungry though, we all had just the right amount to satisfy our hunger. Desserts were SO yummy! The dark chocolate flan and Natas do Ceu were just the perfect size and sweetness. The molotoff was delicious but a very big serving, could even work for 2. The creme brule was delicious but small lol, she wanted more! Their passionfruit sangria is so refreshing! On top of this, the restaurant although it is family friendly, still has a chic dinning atmosphere without being super fancy.

I honestly can keep going on and on about this place but the best thing is to try it yourself, you won’t be disappointed! Especially if you love great fish and seafood.